East London wharf set for return to cargo handling

Peruvian Wharf in Newham is in East London is set to return to operation after its acquisition by the Port of London Authority (PLA).

Peruvian Wharf will be developed as a centre for low-carbon transport of building materials in East London. The wharf has been protected since 1997 under the Mayor of London’s policy to safeguard strategically placed wharves for cargo handling. The PLA completed the acquisition of the site when the former landowner didn’t reactivate it for cargo-handling.

“We’ve fought long and hard to get Peruvian Wharf back into use,” explained PLA Chief Executive, Robin Mortimer. “It’s ideally placed to service East London’s growth, underlining the importance of retaining strategically located sites for cargo handling.

“The river will play a key role in servicing the construction of at least 260 000 new homes and communities, offering 360 000 jobs. This will help keep tens of thousands of lorries off London’s roads every year, reducing air pollution and improving local people’s quality of life.”

The PLA has paid more than £3 million for Peruvian Wharf.

Deputy mayor for transport, Val Shawcross, said: “Over 2 million t of cargo are moved between wharves on the Thames each year. This keeps more than 150 000 lorry trips off London’s roads, reducing congestion and pollution. We look forward to seeing Peruvian Wharf back in use and serving construction projects in East London as soon as possible.”

Fifty wharves on the Thames have been 'safeguarded' for cargo-handling use by the Secretary of State for Transport, following the advice of the Mayor of London and the PLA. Peruvian Wharf is one of three currently vacant wharves promoted within the PLA’s recently published Thames Vision, to be brought back into long-term use.